Troy Stecher, a seasoned defenseman, embarks on another journey to capture the elusive Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers. After narrowly missing out last season, the Oilers are poised to face the Los Angeles Kings in the playoffs. Stecher is among several former University of North Dakota players aiming for playoff glory, including a trio with the Ottawa Senators: Shane Pinto, Jake Sanderson, and Tyler Kleven. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes, featuring Tyson Jost and Jackson Blake, also enter the fray against New Jersey. Brock Nelson, freshly traded to the Colorado Avalanche, will battle the Dallas Stars, adding to the competitive landscape of the playoffs.

In a high-stakes clash, the Carolina Hurricanes triumphed over the Washington Capitals, clinching a playoff spot with a decisive 5-1 victory. Alex Ovechkin netted his 892nd career goal, closing in on Wayne Gretzky's legendary record. However, the standout was rookie Jackson Blake, who scored twice, supporting a potent offensive display from the Hurricanes. Alongside goals from Logan Stankoven, Seth Jarvis, and Sean Walker, Carolina showcased their depth. In net, Frederik Andersen continued his strong form, stopping 20 shots to secure his seventh consecutive win.

The Capitals, already playoff-bound, appeared sluggish after a recent back-to-back, with goalie Logan Thompson's upper-body injury raising concerns. Meanwhile, Jarvis reached a personal milestone with his 30th goal of the season, and Blake's resurgence after a 25-game drought highlights the Hurricanes’ exciting young talent.

On March 20, 2025, NHL DFS enthusiasts have a rich slate to explore with 14 games scheduled, bringing various strategies for lineup construction. The top three teams boasting high implied totals are the Carolina Hurricanes (4), Las Vegas Golden Knights (3.5), and Los Angeles Kings (3.5). The anticipated matchups include key players like Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils, who has struggled recently. His performance against the Calgary Flames will be crucial for DFS players looking for goaltending options.

Also under scrutiny is Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders, who has shown consistent output with a solid scoring chance against the Montreal Canadiens. The center's shot volume and recent form suggest he is bound to produce. In addition, Sam Bennett from the Florida Panthers is highlighted as a value pick against the Columbus Blue Jackets, thanks to his second line pairing with Carter Verhaeghe, which should amplify scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Jackson Blake of the Carolina Hurricanes is a sleeper pick, seeing ample ice time against the Sharks, where the opportunity for offensive output is ripe.

The Carolina Hurricanes' seven-game point streak came to an end after a 4-2 defeat against the Los Angeles Kings. Despite goals from Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Eric Robinson, Carolina's defensive lapses and lack of offensive execution proved costly. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour expressed disappointment with the game, noting that the team did not receive the fortunate bounces they needed. He highlighted Jackson Blake's impact on the ice, despite the line's failure to score. The coach raised concerns about yielding transition goals and addressed Andrei Svechnikov's precautionary absence due to an undisclosed issue.

Robinson spoke about a missed opportunity that could have tied the game, emphasizing the unpredictability of hockey where one missed chance can lead to an opponent's goal. He acknowledged the significance of Brent Burns achieving his 900th career point. The team is facing challenges with several players dealing with illnesses, yet they continue to push through adversity.

This week’s waiver wire report highlights several players to target for fantasy leagues. Jackson Blake of the Carolina Hurricanes, currently available in 99.5% of leagues, has seen a surge in value following the acquisition of Mikko Rantanen, allowing him to join a potent line with Sebastian Aho. Jonathan Drouin, now on a line with Nathan MacKinnon after a trade, provides job security and power-play opportunities. Morgan Geekie is making waves with the Bruins, scoring six goals in seven games after moving to the top line. Meanwhile, Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks is also on the rise following a goal streak.

On defense, Tony DeAngelo and Alexander Romanov from the New York Islanders are worth considering due to their increasing roles in the wake of injuries. In goal, Jake Allen steps up as the starter for the New Jersey Devils after Jacob Markstrom's injury. Cam Talbot continues to show potential with the Detroit Red Wings. Short-term streaming options include Chandler Stephenson and Brock Nelson, who have favorable matchups coming up.